Clever Girls

Common Dedicates ‘Love Star’ To Black Women Everywhere

Common might be splitting his time among many different projects these days, but he's never ditched his first love hip hop. As he finalizes his eleventh studio release, he recently tested the waters with lead single "LoveStar." Now, in partnership with ESSENCE, he unveils a mini documentary and social media campaign in celebration of the song's theme.

The seed for Love Star the documentary was planted when Common initially debuted "LoveStar" the song in front of the 2016 ESSENCE Festival crowd earlier this summer. He elaborated on the project during a recent interview with the media syndicate, saying, "I know the ESSENCE Fest as a whole is all about honoring Black women but, I also wanted to honor Black women myself, as a Black man. I wanted to show that we revere and hold you high, Black woman. We love you and care for you and honor you.” He also wanted to go beyond a superficial ideal to explore "a real bond that’s there that has spirituality, growth, support and integrity connected in it...willing to make mistakes, but we’re there for each other; that’s true love.”

To bring his concept to life, he sought out Nefertite Nguvu, a talented filmmaker who embraced the opportunity to positively highlight Black women like herself. Authenticity was key to Nguyu's vision as she explains, “We knew we wanted to talk to real women...We wanted people to be able to see themselves and we wanted women of many different ages to be able to identify with it. So, the criteria was just wanting to point the lens at women who look like the majority of Black women versus the very specific things we are usually taught to see as beautiful.”

Watch the uplifting, introspective piece of film below and join Common's #LoveStar campaign by sharing a video that reveals your thoughts on love. Check Common's website and Twitter, InstagramFacebook feeds for additional details on the #LoveStar movement and updates on that album release. The single "LoveStar" is available for purchase via your favorite digital retailers.

You can also see Common spread love in person as he continues to use his voice to inspire social activism across the country. Just before he heads to Georgia to support Harry Belafonte's Many Rivers To Cross Music and Arts Festival, the Chi-town native will use his platform to spread positivity across the Windy City through his annual AAHH! Fest. In addition to an amazing line-up of artists (The Roots, J. Cole, Bilal, The Internet, Vic Mensa, Jeremih, Tink and others), the festival aims to bring jobs, education and inspiration to his hometown. See the flyer below and visit the festival website for additional details, volunteer opportunities and ticket purchasing.